Strong Showing from East Kilbride AC at Scottish 5km Champs in Silverknowes
Runners from East Kilbride Athletic Club put in an impressive team performance at the Scottish Road 5km Championships, held on a calm spring evening along the scenic Silverknowes promenade.
Leading the charge for the club was Ben Baillie, who stormed to a superb 15:20 finish, securing 3rd place in the U17 category and 50th overall. His performance highlighted the club’s strong development of junior athletes and set the tone for a competitive night of racing.
Close behind was Patrick Mochan, clocking 15:37 to finish 69th overall and among the top senior men. He was followed by teammates Euan Rose (15:50) and John Fergusson (15:54), both delivering consistent sub-16-minute performances, showing the depth in East Kilbride’s senior ranks.
The veteran athletes also made their mark, with David Ross leading the V40 contingent in 16:06, followed closely by Andrew Forteath in 16:16. Among the younger age groups, Sam Hosie (U20) crossed the line in 16:33, continuing his comeback from injury and highlighting his promise for the future.
In total, East Kilbride AC fielded over 20 athletes in the championship field, with several standout performances across age groups and categories. Other notable sub-18 min finishes included:
- Kenneth Scott – 16:42 (Another PB!)
- Jack Kirwan – 17:07
- Aaron Thomson – 17:40 (U20)
- Jamie Clements – 17:52
In the women’s race, Emma Livingstone led the way for East Kilbride, finishing in a solid 19:19, followed by Kelly Baillie (19:34), who also placed strongly in the V40 category. Vivien Thorpe (21:20) and Laura Hervas (23:40) rounded out the top V40 performances.
Further solid efforts came from club stalwarts such as Gerard O’Neil (19:46), Michael Carlin (21:35), and Kieran Duncan (21:39). In the junior women’s ranks, Erin Chapman completed the course in a new PB of 22:50, closely followed by her father Andrew Chapman in the same time, highlighting the family spirit within the club.
As one of Scotland’s most scenic and competitive 5k events, the Silverknowes course once again proved a fast one, with many athletes clocking personal bests or season’s bests.
The depth, dedication, and camaraderie displayed by East Kilbride AC were evident throughout the evening, reaffirming the club’s position as one of Scotland’s most active and inclusive running communities.
